Many assume they’re protected just because they have alarms or cameras in place, but real security goes beyond that. These 8 critical questions will help you assess vulnerabilities and make sure your security system actually works when you need it most.
Many property owners and businesses believe they’re adequately protected simply because they have some form of security system in place, but security threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated by the day.
The reality is often quite different.
An effective security system needs to be properly designed, correctly maintained and effectively managed.
As we move through 2025, it’s crucial to reassess security measures and guarantee they provide the protection you need.
Whether you’re a homeowner, property investor or business owner, these 8 critical questions will help you identify potential gaps in your security coverage and determine if your current system is up to the task of protecting what matters most.
Let’s start with the most fundamental question property owners may overlook in their security planning.
1. Do you have a functional security system in place?
It’s a common assumption: You installed a security system years ago, so you must be protected, right? Unfortunately, this “set and forget” mentality is one of the biggest vulnerabilities in property security today. Many property owners and managers operate with outdated or poorly maintained systems that provide more peace of mind than actual protection.
When was the last time your security system was professionally evaluated?
Time flies by easily, so it’s probably been longer than you’d care to admit. Like any technology, security systems require regular maintenance and updates to remain effective.
An outdated system might give you a false sense of security while leaving you vulnerable to modern threats.
Let’s break this down…
- When was the last time your system was professionally tested?
- Are all parts still functioning as intended?
- Does your current system match with modern security standards?
- Are there intermittent failures or unusual behaviours from the current system?
Remember: a malfunctioning security system is more than just an inconvenience, it’s a liability. Regular maintenance and testing are essential to make sure your security investment continues to service its intended purpose.
Now that we’ve established the importance of a functional system, let’s examine a critical aspect that often makes the difference between effective and inadequate protection.
2. Is your security system professionally monitored 24/7?
Self-monitoring solutions are the choice of many property owners because they can receive alerts directly to their smartphones. While this might seem convenient and cost-effective, it creates significant vulnerabilities in your security coverage.
Think about your typical day. How often are you in meetings, driving or just… away from your phone? What about when you’re sleeping? Each scenario represents a potential security coverage gap if you’re relying solely on self-monitoring.
Professional 24/7 monitoring provides several important advantages like:
- continuous coverage – regardless of your availability,
- trained professionals who know how to assess and respond to threats,
- established protocols for emergency response,
- immediate action when seconds count and
- documented incident responses for insurance purposes.
Consider this scenario: It’s 3 AM and your alarm triggers. With self-monitoring, you’ll receive a notification on your phone – but are you really in the best position to make clear-headed decisions in the middle of the night?
Central Monitoring System (CMS) back-to-base monitoring ensures that your property is protected – even if you’re not available.
At CMS, each alarm event follows a predefined set of actions. We offer five standard response options, including contacting keyholders, dispatching a patrol, notifying emergency services or carrying out other agreed-upon instructions.
Understanding monitoring is just the beginning – the true test of your security system lies in how alerts are handled and escalated. Which brings us to…
3. Who receives your security alerts – and what happens next?
Even if you have some form of monitoring in place, the effectiveness of your security largely depends on what happens after an alert is triggered.
This is where many security solutions fall short.
Here are some things to reflect on:
- Who receives the initial alert?
- What’s the backup plan if the primary contact is unavailable?
- How are different types of alerts handled differently?
- What’s the escalation process for serious incidents?
- How are false alarms verified and handled?
People discover gaps in their response plans only after an incident happens.
For example, if your security alerts go to a single phone number, what happens when that phone is off, out of battery or in an area with poor reception?
Pro-tip:
CMS’ monitoring service follows strict response protocols, ensuring alerts are acted upon, not ignored. Say, you’re overseas and your alarm goes off, CMS will contact your designated keyholder or emergency services, so you’re never left in the dark.
With a clear understanding of your monitoring and response protocols, we can now move to evaluate whether your technology meets current security challenges.
4. Do you have the right security technology in place?
Your security system is only as good as the technology behind it. While your decade-old alarm system might still function, it’s likely missing out on critical features that modern security threats demand.
Modern security technology offers advantages that were unimaginable just a few years ago such as:
- remote system management through secure mobile apps (the arm/disarm feature via phone),
- integration with smart home/building systems,
- high-definition video with advanced analytics,
- automated response protocols,
- real-time monitoring and
- two-way communication capabilities.
Now, having the right technology is only half the battle – maximising its potential is equally important.
5. Are you using all the features of your security system?
Many security systems are underutilised, with users accessing only a fraction of their available features.
Consider these questions:
- Does your system have panic buttons or emergency alerts?
- Can you secure certain areas while keeping others accessible?
- Have you been trained to use all system features, including advanced functions?
- Does your system offer remote monitoring you haven’t set up?
- Are there environmental monitoring features you could activate?
This common oversight means you might be paying for advanced security capabilities without receiving their benefits. Consider scheduling a refresher training session with security experts to ensure you’re maximising your investment and taking advantage of all available protective measures.
Regular system audits and updates can also help you take advantage of the latest safety features.
Moving beyond features and capabilities, let’s consider the crucial moment when your security system faces a real threat…
6. What happens if an intruder gains access while you’re away?
This crucial question often reveals the biggest weakness in many security plans.
Many people assume that simply having cameras and alarms is enough, but the reality is that recording a break-in does little to stop property loss or damage in real time.
When an intrusion occurs, time is incredibly essential. The difference between a well-coordinated response and a delayed reaction can determine whether your assets remain secure or fall into the wrong hands.
Consider:
- Who is notified when an alarm is triggered?
- Can emergency services be contacted automatically?
- Can my system verify if an alarm is real or false?
- Are there response measures in place beyond just recording the event?
An effective security response plan should include:
- immediate threat assessment by trained professionals who can evaluate the situation,
- automated alerts to designated keyholders or security teams,
- direct communication with emergency services when needed, guaranteeing a swift response, when necessary,
- coordination with on-site security or contacts for physical verification,
- video verification capabilities to determine if the threat is legitimate, reducing false alarms and
- documentation of all response actions for future review and insurance claims.
With a clear picture of your system’s response capabilities, it’s time to evaluate whether your security investment is delivering real value.
7. Are you paying for security that isn't actually protecting you?
Many people assume they’re full monitoring – but are they really?
Cost-effectiveness in security is not truly about finding the cheapest solution, it’s making sure your security investment provides real protection. A lot of property owners discover they’re paying for costly services that don’t meet their security needs.
Think about it this way:
- Is your provider just sending alerts or are they taking action?
- Does your alarm system integrate with emergency response services?
- Have you checked my contract for gaps in service?
Common security service gaps are as follows:
- monitoring services that only notify without taking action,
- systems that can’t distinguish between false alarms and real threats,
- limited response options during off-hours,
- lack of integration between different security components and
- insufficient backup and redundancy measures.
Review your security contracts and service agreements carefully. Understanding exactly what’s included – and more importantly, what isn’t – helps ensure you’re not paying for ineffective protection.
8. Does your security system align with your needs and expectations?
Your security should match your specific risks and lifestyle.
To determine whether your security setup is aligned with your needs, think about these questions:
- If you have a business, does it track staff and customer activity where necessary?
- If you have an investment property, can you remotely manage alarms and access controls?
- Does your security match the risk and threats relevant to your property and location?
There are many factors that you need to consider when it comes to security alignment like:
- property type and usage patterns,
- value of assets being protected,
- local crime patterns and specific threats,
- regulatory requirements,
- insurance requirements,
- budget constraints and
- staff and tenant needs.
A system perfect for a small retail store might be completely insufficient for a large warehouse – just as a home security solution might not meet the needs of an investment property.
A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work – tailored security ensures the right level of protection.
So, what’s next?
If you struggled with any of these questions, your security may not be as strong as you think. Security vulnerabilities don’t improve with time, they only become more pronounced.
Remember, as technology evolves – so do security threats.
What was enough protection many years ago might not meet today’s challenges. Regular re-assessment and updating of your security measures is good practice and essential for maintaining effective protection.
There’s merit in professional guidance – especially in security.
While self-assessment is a good starting point, professional security evaluation can identify vulnerabilities you might miss. Security professionals bring broad experience and deep knowledge of current threats and solutions, guaranteeing that your security measures truly protect what matters most.
Don’t wait for a security incident to reveal gaps in your protection. Central Monitoring System (CMS) offers a no-obligation security assessment that can help you:
- evaluate your current system,
- identify gaps and vulnerabilities and
- upgrade to a smarter and more efficient monitoring service.
Keep in mind that effective security isn’t just about having the most expensive system or the latest technology, it’s about having the right solutions for your specific needs, properly implemented and professionally monitored.
Take the time to assess your security measures now – before you need them.
Take control of your security and contact CMS today.
Discover how Central Monitoring Services (CMS) can help secure and monitor your people, assets and property today
Central Monitoring Services (CMS) are the experts in residential, commercial and industrial security across Australia.
Australian-owned and operated since 1989, our team has more than 35 years of experience in the fire and security industries, yet it’s our high level of quality customer service that truly sets us apart.
At Central Monitoring Services (CMS), you’re not just another number. Rather, we make ourselves available to you, day and night, with our complete security, monitoring and technical support services.
For more information or to book a consultation, call 1300 655 009 or fill out our contact form today.
